Fan Housing Tabs for No-Bottom-Vent Chassis Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chassis designs for information handling systems without bottom vents face challenges in airflow impedance and mechanical deflection, which can compromise cooling performance and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fan assembly with a fan housing featuring a plurality of tabs proximate to the fan inlet opening, which extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the fan blades, along with optional disc or ring connections to enhance structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a no-bottom-vent chassis design is used, then the structural integrity and aesthetics of the chassis are improved, but airflow impedance increases and cooling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet wall is segmented into multiple tabs that extend parallel to the fan blade rotation axis. These tabs create segmented airflow paths that reduce impedance while maintaining the no-bottom-vent structural design. The segmentation allows air to flow through multiple channels rather than a single large opening, preserving structural integrity while improving cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs extend in a direction parallel to the fan blade rotation axis, adding a dimensional element to the air inlet structure. This creates a three-dimensional airflow pattern that reduces impedance without requiring a larger bottom vent opening, thus maintaining structural integrity while enhancing cooling performance.
2Length of moving object
If the fan housing is positioned close to the bottom cover, then the chassis height is reduced, but mechanical deflection can cause fan blades to contact the bottom cover
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are positioned proximate to the air inlet and extend parallel to the rotation axis to preliminarily support the fan blades before any deflection occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents fan blade contact with the bottom cover even when the chassis is subjected to mechanical deflection, eliminating the need for increased chassis height.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs act as an intermediary structure between the fan housing and the bottom cover. They provide mechanical support to the fan blades, preventing direct contact with the bottom cover during chassis deflection, thus protecting the fan while maintaining a compact chassis height.
3Strength
If tabs are added to the air inlet wall, then structural support and fan blade protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they structurally support the fan blades to prevent contact with the bottom cover, they guide airflow into the fan housing, and they reduce airflow impedance. This multi-functionality provides enhanced structural support without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are integrated directly into the air inlet wall structure, merging the support function with the existing housing geometry. This integration approach provides enhanced structural support while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the tabs are formed as part of the housing rather than as separate components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces airflow impedance and increases the structural support to withstand greater mechanical deflection forces, ensuring effective cooling and protecting the fan blades from contact with the bottom cover.
Implementation Method 1
a fan hub coupled to a plurality of fan blades... an air inlet wall connected to the side wall, the air inlet wall comprising an air inlet for receiving air into the fan housing
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems may comprise a fan housing for use in a portable chassis without a vent on a bottom cover. A plurality of tabs located proximate an opening in the bottom wall extend axially to provide support. In some embodiments, a disc is coupled to the plurality of tabs. In some embodiments, a ring is coupled to the plurality of tabs, wherein deflection of the ring positions the ring relative to a fan hub.